Damascus-based Hamas leader Khaled Meshal held a press conference in Damascus on Monday shortly after former President Jimmy Carter held a press conference in Yerushalayim. Meshal used the media event to clarify the details of the meeting with Carter, explaining Hamas’ demands.

Meshal stated Hamas is demanding an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-June 1967 Six Day War borders to establish a Palestinian state with the provision that Jerusalem is the capital of the new state. This would also demand true and total sovereignty, without and Jewish settlements. Meshal also demands total unrestricted right of return for “Palestinian refugees”. All this without Hamas recognizing Israel but Meshal is willing to agree to a ten-year “hudna” cessation of hostilities or a ceasefire following a total Israeli withdrawal.

(Retreat to the pre-’67 borders would compel Israel to retreat from all of Yehuda, Shomron, Jordan Valley, Golan Heights and portions of Yerushalayim, including the Old City).

Then he explained democratic elections would be held to permit his people to vote and decide regarding recognition of Israel and accepting the agreement. He explained this would have to be left to the voters to decide as is the way of democratic rule.

Regarding a second letter from Shalit [requested by Carter], Meshal stated that Hamas will agree despite the fact Israel continues to imprison thousands of his people.

Regarding Carter’s statement that Hamas would be willing to bring Shalit to Egypt as an interim move, he elaborated that this would only occur if Israel agrees to the release of 71 terrorists on the list presented by Hamas to Israel, in addition to the release of all minors, in addition to the release of all PA/Hamas cabinet ministers and members held by Israel.

Meshal stated that despite Israel’s refusal to date, he is willing to continue talks, preferably with Egypt acting as a third party. Meshal added he remains tenacious towards obtaining the release of prisoners, stating the issue is dear to the hearts of his followers.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)